Sleep Apnea

[edwardcdg]

I have a CPAP machine and am very happy with the results. Traveling with it is a little inconvenient, though. And in the future I may be spending time someplace where reliable house current may not be available.

There are alternatives to the CPAP machine. (For me that does not include surgery, but weight loss is on the list.)

There are 'oral appliances' available (like a football player's mouth guard?) that move the jaw forward but they may create problems and may not work for everyone such as those with severe OSA (me?). This one may restrict breathing if the nasal passages are restricted, I gather.

I have also just seen an ad for a chin strap which looks interesting. It may also restrict breathing, but maybe not. It may be that the chin strap is something an MD would not endorse as it is not an Approved Medical Device. Its simplicity is attractive, however.

Does anyone have experience with either of these two alternatives to the CPAP machine? I have read one somewhat negative experience with the oral appliance in the early posts here. I have not yet found a post of a positive experience.

Thanks.

Ed